Chemical Engineering Science, Vol.99, 298-304, 2013
Multiphase flow modeling of gas hydrates with a simple hydrodynamic slug flow model
The formation and accumulation of natural gas hydrates in deep subsea flow lines are one of the most challenging flow assurance problems. Typical high pressure/low temperature operation conditions in deep subsea facilities promote rapid formation of gas hydrates. Recent observations in flow loop experiments in gas/water systems suggested a relationship between hydrate volume and flow regime on pressure drop. In the current work, a simple hydrodynamic slug flow model, based on fundamental multiphase flow concepts, is coupled with a transient hydrate kinetics model to study the effect of hydrate formation on slug flow in gas/water systems. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.